With Tax Day just a few weeks away, the race for last-minute filers to meet this year’s fast-approaching April 15 income tax filing deadline is on. But professional organizations like the Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) are encouraging filers to slow down to dodge some easily avoided mistakes.
No matter how seemingly minor, these errors can create filing problems and delays. To make sure you file error-free federal and state tax returns, double-check these important areas on your tax forms:
- Filing Status: This is the first item on your IRS Form 1040, and yet ticking the right box can often be overlooked. You have just four choices to choose from, but if you were married, divorced, widowed, or your household situation changed during 2025, it must be reflected here.
- Name(s): A misspelled first or last name, a missing middle initial, or a formal name change for a spouse that’s not correctly listed could create a filing nightmare. Ensure names match what’s on file with the Social Security Administration.
- Social Security Number(s): As with your name, a missing or incorrect Social Security number can create unexpected problems. Social Security numbers serve as individual tax identification numbers and must be included.
- Income: If you’re someone who generally opts out of physical mail, you’ll likely need to download your tax forms from your employer, bank, and other institutions that you received income from. Make a checklist of the forms you anticipate receiving so it’s easy to ensure all the income you received is reported on your tax returns.
- Direct Deposit Information: Last year, President Trump signed an executive order leading to the phaseout of paper checks being used to issue tax refunds. If you’re due a refund from the IRS, you must elect direct deposit to your bank account, which is the fastest and most secure way to get your refund—but make sure the routing number, account number, and account type (checking or savings) are all correct. Errors with any of these details can cause delays, as more than 1.4 million taxpayers have already seen this year.
- Signature: Whether you self-prepare or work with a tax professional to prepare and file your state and federal tax returns, it’s a lot of work. After all that time spent, the last thing you want to do is forget to sign your returns. Remember, the only way they can be officially filed is if they’re signed and dated.
- Calendar: While this isn’t on your tax return, all 2025 individual tax returns are due by midnight on April 15. If you simply can’t get your taxes filed in time, you must file IRS Form 4868 to request a six-month filing extension. But beware, if you think or know you owe taxes to the IRS or state revenue departments, you must still make an estimated payment by the April 15 filing deadline or interest and potential penalties may be charged on the amount due. For Illinois taxpayers, if you’re granted an extension for filing your federal income tax return, you’re automatically granted an extension for filing your Illinois income tax return, but if taxes are owed to Illinois, you must file Form IL-505-I, Automatic Extension Payment for Individuals, to avoid penalties and interest on taxes not paid by the original filing deadline.
Filing federal and state tax returns is a complicated process. ICPAS reminds taxpayers that CPAs, certified public accountants, are ready to help. ICPAS’ free “Find a CPA” directory can help you find the trusted, strategic advisor that’s right for you based on location, types of services needed, and languages spoken. Find your CPA at www.icpas.org/findacpa.
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